how to go green

Going green in 2016? If you’re just beginning your green journey, we have some tips that will help get you started. We know going green can seem overwhelming at first, with organic food, holistic medicine, natural fibers, hybrid vehicles, and so much more. When you’re starting out, take it slow and make small changes in your daily routine to reduce waste. Remember, it’s the small changes overtime that add up to big transformations. Below is a list of ways you can start to reduce waste. You don’t have to do them all at once, try one and see how you feel. When you succeed and you’re comfortable try adding another change to your lifestyle.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Let’s start with the basics. Begin by observing your daily habits and purchases. Is there something more permanent you could use instead of the disposable version?Do you need to throw everything away? Can you donate, recycle, reuse?

Reducing waste is about recycling, creating less garbage and limiting the purchases of disposables. Think about your shopping habits; do you purchase bottled water, disposable razors or coffee on your way to work. Many of these things have a more permanent solution. Instead of water bottles, you can filter the water from your own faucet and purchase a reusable bottle for traveling. You can do the same with the your coffee by purchasing a reusable travel mug, that you can fill when you stop to purchase your cup of Joe. There are many permanent options out there to replace the disposable options, even the shopping bags we get can be replaced by purchasing a sturdy, long-lasting shopping bag. In the long run not only will you reduce waste, but you will also save money!

When you are out shopping start reading labels; look for fair trade, organic, eco-friendly, and cruelty free labels or certification on goods you buy. Choose local meat, and produce when you can. Find out about your local Farmers’ Market here. Try purchasing local whenever you canand look for products that are made in the USA. Always buy quality over quantity, buying cheap products that will only fall apart will end up in the trash. Try purchasing quality used goods such as furnishings or electronics whenever possible and read your favorite magazines or newspapers online instead of choosing print versions. These small changes in your shopping habits will have a positive impact on our planet.

Clean Up Your Cleaning Routine

Take a look at the products you have been using to clean your home. Go through your cleaning supplies and ask yourself some questions; Do I recognize any of these ingredients? Are there any harmful chemicals in this product? Is this product eco-friendly? Is this company cruelty-free? Is the packaging recyclable?

Start purchasing cleaning products that are free of harmful chemicals, eco-friendly and cruelty-free, or look into cheap, natural DIY alternatives. Looking for an easy switch you can make today? Switch your kitchen/household sponges to Pura Naturals sponges made with BeBetterFoam®. Our sponges are all natural, eco-friendly, cruelty-free and more importantly the BeBetterFoam® technology does not leave our sponges soaking wet. With this technology there is no bad odor, because there is no bacteria growth. This is not only better for our planet, but better for you and your family!

Become a Natural Beauty

Switching from the beauty products you love to eco-friendly alternatives might be the hardest part of living a greener lifestyle. Switching over your entire routine can be a daunting and expensive experience. When it comes to changing your beauty routine take it slow. The biggest reason many give up on on green products is they don’t have the patience, the time, or the money to find the the products that work best for them. Make small switches one step at a time. Don’t do a complete overhaul of your beauty products all at once. Start with your body wash or face wash, then lotions, foundations, lipsticks and so on. Before you purchase any newproducts do your research, read labels; eco-friendly, cruelty-free etc. and read reviews.

Volunteer your time. Nothing is more rewarding than volunteering your time to help others and our planet. Look into local neighborhood clean-ups or check out The Nature Conservancy to get you started.

Buy a Hybrid. Besides from doing your part for the Earth to reduce toxic emissions, a Hybrid car will save you money, and you will see those savings pretty quickly.

Commitment

When you begin this journey, the only thing that will see you to your journey’s end successfully is your will power, so stay committed. Remember, small changes create bigger changes, pace yourself and most importantly –have fun with it. In the end, you will #BeBetter for it!